How to Make a Simple Double-Slit

Introduction: How to Make a Simple Double-Slit

This 'ible will show two simple methods to make a double-slit, that is small enough to create an interference pattern.

Interference is an effect waves show, when they interact with each other. If two (or more) waves have the same wavelength and a fixed phase relationship they are called "coherent". And if such coherent waves hit the same spot, they can support each other, annihilate each other (yes, you did read right: light + light = more light or no light) or something in between depending on their phase difference. The special thing about laser light is its huge coherence length meaning the light emitted by a laser is practically always coherent. A double-slit (or better a lattice) splits up the laser beam into two (or many) "beams". Beyond the double-slit or lattice each new "beam" spreads in every direction interfering with the other one(s). This creates a characteristical pattern of maxima and minima: the interference pattern. For further information have a look at the wikipedia articles about the double-slit experiment and interference.

Disclaimer: This instructable presupposes responsible handling of laser sources. DO NOT DIRECTLY LOOK INTO ANY LASER BEAM. Always handle laser beams with caution. I'm not responsible for any injuries (e.g. damaged or blinded eyes) due to wrong handling of your laser source.

Step 2: Double-slit Out of Paper: Making

Take the marker and paint a small area black in the middle of the upper half. This is where we'll cut two slits into the paper. The black paint will prevent the laser from shining through the white paper.

Fold the paper horizontal at the half of the black area.

Now cut from the edge a perpendicular slit into the black area. Then try to cut as close as you can parallel to the first cut and rip out the piece of paper in between to create a narrow slit. Repeat the same about half a millimeter next to the first slit.

Unfold the paper and have a look at your double-slit. If it doesn't have a nice straight shape, start again with 1.

Step 3: Double-slit Out of Aluminum Foil: Materials

Aluminum foil allows us to cut a lot more precise and closer slits. This will create a cleaner and wider interference pattern, because the distance from the middle ( called "0. maximum") to the outer maxima ( 1. / 2. / 3. / ... / n. maximum ) increases the smaller the distance between the slits is.

Step 6: Using the Double-slit

Tape your double-slit to the edge of a table and aim with a laser beam at the double-slit. I advise you to aim with low intensity (if you can adjust it), since you don't want to look into the bright reflection of the full-power beam too long. Then darken the room and use a sheet of paper, cardboard or a white wall as your screen. You should see the characteristical interference pattern of maxima and minima now.

Thanks for reading and I would appreciate some pictures of your interference patterns!

I am creating a spectroscopy laboratory for students as part of my thesis paper and i want to do this double slit experiment. Now my results are not very clear (the lines are not very defined). Can anyone give me any tipps on how i can get better results? :D Thanks a lot !!!

Back in the 1960's we used stacked razor blades to cut or scratch paralel slits in graphite on microscope slides to measure the wavelength of light. Two blades, two slits- three blades, three slits ect.

This is pretty cool. I made my own slits not too long ago using a very similar method. Getting the slits to be parallel and very close together was a little tricky. I eventually tried using mechanical pencil graphite as a spacer. I made the slits by cutting up against the graphite and it worked pretty well. For my next experiment I am going to use commercially available slits that are scratched into glass slides. They're cheap and well calibrated.